Meditation
There are many alternative treatments that can help control the symptoms of mesothelioma. Though they offer no actual advantage in treating the disease itself, these palliative treatments can be quite helpful to cancer patients in general, particular when it comes to improving their quality of life. Meditation is one of those alternatives.
What is Meditation?
Like many alternative therapies offered to cancer patients, meditation has its roots in the ancient Far East; particularly India, China, and Japan. It became popular in the United States in the 1960s with the arrival of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who brought his method called Transcendental Meditation (TM) to this country. Interest in the use of meditation to treat those with cancer and other serious diseases began in the 1980s.
Most dictionaries define meditation as "the intentional self-regulation of attention; a mental focus on a particular aspect of one's inner or outer experience". There are, however, a variety of different types of meditation.
Transcendental Meditation involves the repetition of a "mantra" (word or phrase) over and over again to create relaxation. Mindfulness Meditation encourages a person to observe sensations, perceptions, and thoughts without judgment as they arise. Other forms of meditation may require the patient to visualize something in particular (perhaps a pleasant scenario) in order to obtain a relaxed state.
Some meditation, particularly the types used by cancer patients who may have limited physical ability, involve sitting still in a quiet place away from interruptions. Other forms of meditation, like yoga or tai chi, are more active.
Does it Work?
In no way does meditation offer a cure for cancer, but during the last two decades, studies have shown that it does help to decrease pain, anxiety, stress, blood pressure, and insomnia. Mindfulness Meditation, in particular, has been very helpful in addressing anxiety and stress.
Specific studies conducted over the years note an increase in brain activity in the area linked to positive emotional states in those who meditate as compared to those who do not.
Is it Safe?
Cancer patients who limit themselves to the kind of meditation that does not involve strenuous activity should have no problem with this alternative treatment. The biggest complaint is a feeling of light-headedness and sometimes disorientation. (Researchers note that individuals with previous mental health problems experience the disoriented feeling more than others.)
If you would like to attempt a more physical form of meditation, such as yoga, tai chi, or qigong, you should consult your doctor before signing up for any classes or sessions.
